Overview

Balerdi, East face

This impressive peak is one of the images most known of Aralar. Really it's not the main summit, the peak Artubi (1263m) is really the mountain, but Balerdi is so spectacular what's the most climbed and frequented. From the valley Balerdi is the visible summit and it's the target for mountaineers. Artubi and Balerdi are the last peaks at the West of Malloas, the most important line of mountains of Aralar's range.

Generally the trailheads most frequented are Azkarate or Gaintza in the East of the peak. The last part of the route is very sharp with a narrow ridge, exposed but easy (F).

Getting There

Las Malloas

From Pamplona you'll take the road AP-15 until the exit 127 (Lekunberri north, Tolosa, Uitzi) taking the road NA-130, near Betelu, where you'll turn to left road NA-7512 for 3 Km to arrive to Gaintza. From Gaintza the normal route goes across the Col of Astunalde (Astunaldeko lepoa). From Azkarate exist two possibilities, the climb across the col Astunalde or across Col of Urdille (Urdilleko lepoa). Azkarate and Gaintza are very near but you need more than 4km to connect both trailheads.

It's possible to begin the route from Amezketa (Guipuzcoa). From San Sebastian to Lasarte by the N-I / E-80 during 11 Km. In Tolosa you'll follow to Alegia and you'll take the road GI-2131 turning to left across GI-2133 for 2,5 Km. to arrives to Amezketa.

Red Tape

No permits required, no fees, basic rules for wildlife.
It's not a peak for people with fear in exposed ridges.

When To Climb

All the year is possible the climb, but if the ridge has snow or ice it's really dangerous and not advisable.